First Broderick-Evon Award Presented at Student Honors and Awards Dinner

May 04, 2012

An award created by Old Dominion University President John R. Broderick and his wife, Kate, to recognize students who have given their time, knowledge and hearts to make the ODU community a better place, was presented for the first time on Thursday, May 3, at the annual Student Honors and Awards Dinner.

The first-ever Broderick-Evon Award for Community Engagement and Service went to two students, Kevin Muchiri and Waylin Ross. As an expression of pride in the thousands of ODU students who have passionately given their time, knowledge and hearts to helping build the ODU community, the award is of special significance to ODU's first family. It is named in honor of John and Kate Broderick's mothers.

President Broderick told the audience of high-achieving students in Webb Center that the annual prize will go to students who display "commitment to service and civic engagement to the university and surrounding community through superior leadership and service."

Muchiri, a master's student in engineering, helped establish and became chair of the University Safety Committee, which works to create a safer campus. Muchiri also supported the university's efforts in securing additional state funding for ODU, and will serve as student representative on the university's Board of Visitors for the next academic year.

Ross, a senior political science major, served this past year as chairman of Virginia21, a body of students representing each community college and public university in the state. The organization encourages state legislators to support higher education in Virginia. Ross was also a member of the Governmental Advisory Committee, engaged in ongoing discussions related to legislation affecting the university. As president of Success Without Limitations, a civic and community service-based student group, Ross also volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club of Hampton Roads, and helped organize community events on campus.

Creating the Broderick-Evon Award for Community Engagement and Service builds on the foundation for student success that has been a chief goal of Broderick's since he became ODU's eighth president in 2008.

Through family donations, it will guarantee a minimum $3,000 award each year to an ODU student, or students, who embodies the community spirit of Ellen Broderick and Joan Evon.